Classroom management is the most important skill for a teacher to have, in my opinion. Why is it so difficult to learn? Does it get easier over time? My first year teaching was a disaster. I had little CM and no one to mentor/help me. I’m planning on going back to teaching next Septemter (sub) and I’m terrified of not being able to control the class. Any ideas/thoughts?
#1 by Don C on July 22nd, 2010
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It depends on the grade you are teaching and how often you see the kids. In general:
As a substitute, it is extremely difficult to step in and take control of a class unless you are a physically imposing person. From a purely sociological perspective, the students see you as a “pretender” and a disruption to their normal routine. They will challenge your authority at every opportunity because they will not readily accept it.
If you are a long-term substitute, you have to lay down the rules immediately and be prepared to enforce them. Threatening to send someone to the Principal’s Office for misbehaving and then not following through on that threat is the worst thing you can do. Establish a three strike policy on the chalkboard [or whatever your method is] then follow through with whatever punishment you have enunciated. Once the students see that you are in control and understand their boundaries and what is expected of them, you will have an easier go of it.
Good luck!
#2 by dawncs on July 22nd, 2010
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It is probably due to no single approach works with every single classroom. It depends on the mixture of students, and the grade involved. In addition, it depends on the number of disabled children and what disabilities they have. I have included some resources on it. The most important thing is to stay consistent the entire time.
http://www.theteachersguide.com/ClassManagement.htm
http://www.pacificnet.net/~mandel/ClassroomManagement.html
http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/archives/classmanagement.shtml
http://www.teachnet.com/how-to/manage/index.html
http://www.disciplinehelp.com/
http://www.proteacher.com/030000.shtml
http://www.brains.org/classroom_management.htm
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/
#3 by churchonthewayseniors on July 22nd, 2010
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create a list of do ‘s and don’ts and give each student a copy..talk about it with the class, and the reason for each rule….
#4 by viajero_intergalactico on July 22nd, 2010
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this is tough.
it is my opinion that you can develop this CM ability, but feel that most good teachers are just born with this ability.
i would tell you to be one of those teachers who takes no bull at all from students. then in time you can relax a little.
#5 by count scratchula on July 22nd, 2010
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Classroom management is probably the most difficult part of teaching. It has been my experience that you must remain consistant in all that you do- post your rules and consequences- but don’t forget that positive praise works the best in motivating students. I don’t give out candy or stickers, but work with the class on creating rewards which have meaning. I made both a reward and a consequence box; the reward box has slips of paper for things like “no homework night”, “lunch with the teacher”, “extra recess”, “sit with a friend for the day”. My consequence box has slips like “write 25 sentences”, “lose recess”, ” be sent to another class”. I’ve found that if the class gets rowdy, I can ask aloud “what will the consequence be if the class keeps talking?” and pull out a slip and read it to them and they will come right around. Also, it is very important to have a recognizeable signal to get their attention- a hand clap, bell, little xylophone- whatever. One of the best books I’ve read on classroom management is the Harry Wong “First Day of School”. It has lot’s of good tips. Above all else, keep the kids busy- good luck
#6 by miz t. on July 22nd, 2010
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Well, if you’re going back as a sub then you need to immediately set your standards or the kids will walk all over you. Just let them know that their teacher let you in on all of the classroom behavior strategies (i.e., marble jar) and that you have been told to take away privilages/award marbles as you feel necessary.
Really, you just have to have confidence. If a student starts acting out, just say in a loud voice “EXCUSE ME *student’s name*, but do you have something to share with the class?”
I once had a student who stuck two pencils up his nose and then in his mouth. Kids were laughing at him, but when I said “Oh, I see you enjoy the taste of what’s up your nose,” he immediately put the pencils away and I didn’t have one problem from him for the rest of the day. Humor works!
#7 by Jetgirly on July 22nd, 2010
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Classroom management isn’t a “skill”. It’s a way of responding to a unique situation with a unique set of influencing factors. There is no one technique that you can use to create an ideal classroom environment. I like Alfie Kohn’s writings that address classroom behaviour as a consequence of curriculum. He argues that most bad behaviour in class is a result of poorly-designed curricula that don’t capture the interest of the students and don’t engage them in activities that they see as valuable. Consider reading his book “Beyond Discipline: From Compliance to Community” for some unique insights into classroom management, student behaviour and the ineffectiveness of punishment.
#8 by yumyum69 on July 22nd, 2010
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all of the above are correct but most importantly you must model or set the behavior that is expected of them. sorry to admit it, but some kids don’t know how to act cause they don’t receive any structure at home.
#9 by jenny on July 22nd, 2010
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It’s a matter of trial and error, sometimes strategies work and other times you just have to admit you need help. This site helped me find many articles and ideas on classroom management that helped me a lot:
http://drwilliampmartin.tripod.com/classm.html
Hope it helps you.
#10 by missy on July 22nd, 2010
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In my opinion, classroom management comes natural. A person can sit in a class and be trained on it, but what good is it if there are no actual students to try ideas on at that very moment? Classroom management also comes with the reputation of a teacher. If a teacher has the reputation for being a disciplinarian, students often fall in line. Of course they will try the teacher, but what students don’t. Think about riding a horse. The horse senses when the rider is scared or frightened and react to it. Students do the same thing. They know who they can misbehave with. Always remember that the best classroom manager is a good curriculum. If students are engaged in learning, behavior issues are almost none existent. Classroom management does get better over time because you play around and figure out what works. If you feel terrified, do some things in a school setting that require you to deal with different groups of children. That way you can see what age level you work best with and if things don’t go well you can move on.Try volunteering in a class or something